Field recording journal - Shoreham Harbour arm sea defence boulders - 9th October 2022
Sea choppy this afternoon, churned up by south easterly wind. It’s busy down here but I take the chance on making a recording of the waves splashing over the sea defence boulders to the west of the harbour arm.
Large clumps of seaweed float in the turquoise blue, tendrils of hairy sea creatures tangling and untangling.
The sea is veined with white foam, constantly changing shapes and patterns as it rolls and splashes over the boulders. Occasionally a heavier wave hits, and I fear for my microphones. Large sonic cracks behind me as the sea hits the eastern part of the harbour arm.
In the distance a medium size boat is entering the harbour. Looks like one of the dredgers. I tune my ears in but I can’t hear the deep hum of its engine yet. The sun is warm, cancelling out the chill of the wind. One of those autumn days where I can’t make up my mind whether I need a jacket or not.
On the other side of the harbour, the bright fluorescent sails of small sailing boats lined up on a small beach flutter.
The dredger is closer now. It looks heavy, full of aggregate and sailing low in the water. A floating factory, full of industrial machinery - yellow cranes, cabling, metal walkways and at the front a tall brown rusted pillar.
The hum is lost under the sounds of the sea today. Maybe a faint drone ?
It’s called Dapper Dan. It really is low in the water. The bow wash looks like it is covering the side.
As the boat gets closer I realise it is called Sospan-dau, not Dapper Dan.
A small yacht enters (GBR 1418L) and the hi viz Jacketed harbour arm warden is walking toward me from the end of the harbour arm. Earlier he was in conversation with people fishing off the end. I must record him one day. He’s a constant feature down here.
On the coast guard station opposite where I’m standing, the radar spins slowly.